accio_rp | Outsider Sorting Ceremony

After Monday's announcement that Hogwarts would play host to several Outsiders, the school was a hub of gossip, and the break-in of Sirius Black during the Hallowe'en Feast had almost been forgotten. Everywhere you went, there were people talking about the Outsiders in hushed voices, almost as though it was forbidden. Many of the rumours sounded ridiculous - apparently, Outsiders could throw houses, fly without aid, and turn invisible at will. Some students would try to discredit the rumours by explaining how such things were impossible, but it was to little avail.

Saturday was the day Hogwarts would open its doors to Outsiders, through a small Sorting Ceremony. It wasn't expected to be a large event, as reports indicated only a few Outsiders had accepted the offer, but it still seemed as though the entire school came to the Great Hall for the feast that evening.

The Great Hall was laid out the same way as the start of any Sorting Ceremony, though the tattered, frayed Sorting Hat had already been placed on the stool that stood before the staff table. The Outsiders - a mere four of them - were already present, lined up near the Sorting Hat.

Once all students and staff had arrived, Professor Dumbledore stood, raising a hand to quell the chatter and noise. Once all but a few quiet murmurs had ended, he addressed the school.

"Today," he said, "we welcome four new students into our school. I am sure you are all aware of the circumstances that have brought them here, and ask only that you treat them the same as any other student in this school. They are here to learn, just as you are."

Some couldn't help but wonder how Dumbledore could expect this, when one of the four Outsiders didn't even look human.

"Our four new students will be placed in a suitable House in the same manner as our First Years were at the start of term. Their House will be their home for as long as they remain at Hogwarts.

"Professor McGonagall, if you please?"

And the Headmaster took his seat. Professor McGonagall stepped forward.

"When I call your name and year, you will wear the hat and sit on the stool. The Sorting Hat will select the most appropriate House. You will then seat yourself at that House's table."

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"Balthier will suffice, my lady."

There was only one who he'd ever allow to use the name that tied him to his past, and since McGonagall was sorely lacking in rabbit ears, black armour and stiletto heels, he intended to stick to his beloved alias.

"Very well. On with the talking hat. Rather unique custom."

Rather than answering the request to address him as 'Balthier,' McGonagall simply gives him an appraising look. "I think you will find, Mr. Balthier, that Hogwarts itself is quite unique."

"I believe I already have."

The pirate takes a seat, eying the hat in a manner he may size up some prehistoric wyrm before taking potshots to rouse it from its slumber and steal its treasure.

What little patience McGonagall had is wearing thin.

"If you would please stop wasting time, Mr Balthier, and wear the Hat rather than simply look at it, we could perhaps move on and enjoy the feast."

He shakes his head, and then gingerly places the raggedy hat upon his hair, trying not to think about the thousands of heads its touched over the hundreds of years.

He waits, just the smallest bit of anticipation welling in him which he quashes immediately. He's no child after all. And this situation is temporary until he's either back in Ivalice or in possession of a ship.

Finally. Professor McGonagall is shaking her head.

The hat, however, doesn't seem to mind the delay. "A little reluctant, I see," said a small voice in Balthier's ear. "I suppose I could tell you about my noble history, but I rather suspect the tale would be best suited to another audience.

"Now, what to do with you, I wonder...? I can see already that you will be a difficult one. You would be well-suited to any of our four Houses."

Balthier raised a brow. He had done a little research before agreeing to holing up in a castle while it suited him. And the hat was right. He had demonstrated cunning, resourcefulness and a strong will to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals. He was hardworking and accepting of others for who they were and not what appearances made them. He was intelligent, a prodigy in fact. And he was noble, in his own way, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice when all seemed lost. He was also woefully arrogant, proud and self-indulgent.

"You speak as though you know my very soul and deeds, yet any charlatan fortune-teller can make such a broad declaration. Would you prefer I choose and save you the trouble?"

It sounded as though the Hat was chuckling. "Rather than that," it said, "why not tell me what you plan to do now?"

What did the pirate plan to do? It was all very vague. Lay low, in comfort and look for a way back to Ivalice. To Fran and Nono. He was only missing the very crucial step of 'how'.

He was, after all, no longer in Ivalice. The magic here worked differently. No magicite or airships or anything truly familiar to speak of. Balthier was, for once, out of his element and out of answers. And when that happened, that was when the pirate truly came alive. He needed to know.

"To begin... I need to understand this world. Not just the portion your mages inhabit, but the whole of it. The science, the magicks, everything. And then from there... well. I've always found winging it seems to work."

"So, you think your driving force is knowledge," the hat considered. "Well, it may take quite a while before you can find your way home, so very well - I will put you in the House suited to that. Otherwise, we shall be here all day while I consider."

The next thing the Hat said was shouted very loud, announced to the entire Hall.

"Ravenclaw!"

Outsider Sorting Ceremony

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